Tuesday, 6 September 2016

Dictionaries define nutrition as “the process of providing or obtaining the
food necessary for health and growth.” Unfortunately obtaining food for health
and nutrition worldwide has proved to be tougher challenge than it was
perceived. Providing healthy food for children is a concern that
transcends geographical boundaries. Fresh and healthy food is a basic right of
every child, and there is a need to make sure that they get it every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a divided world where one section of the
society is wasting food while the other is deprived of it. Children are on the receiving
end because quite often they are not the bread-earners to be able to fetch food.
Several children, who do get food, may not get a diet full of health and
nutrition. At Akshaya Patra, when our target of 2
billion meals was achieved recently, nutrition was still top of our
priority.

The Global Nutrition Report 2016 reveals data on the status of
hunger, malnourishment and poor diets in children and adults as well. The
report suggests that it’s even more difficult for little children who have to experience
hunger and a hard time to get meals twice a day. Nutritionis required for childrenso as to ensure theirgrowth and a hunger-free life. In India, however, the reality is
major part of the population isn’t capable of arranging food for hungry childreneven
once a day.

Nutritional status of children in India:

UNICEF reports, almost 20% of children less than 5
years are wasted due to undernutrition.

Approximately 61 million children are stunted due to
chronic undernutrition

More than one-third of wasted children and three out of
every ten stunted children in the world, live in India itself

Millions of children suffer from micronutrient malnutrition
and calorie deficiency

The ratio of underweight children is in rural areas increase
every year unexpectedly

Around 50% of the children under 5 years are
underweight and prone to infections

How’s nutrition
vital for children?

Physical
growth: Studies have proved that a child needs proper nutrition in order to achieve full height.
The same is also true for the rest of his physical growth. There are children
who suffer from several physical ailments due to lack of nutrition and good
health.

Mental faculties: Health and nutrition pave way
for the children to develop their mental faculties. Any pediatrician would
testify that the right balance of omega fatty acids in children’s daily diet
contribute towards brain activity, development and capabilities. Similarly, each
ingredient in a balanced diet adds to a child’s mental growth. That’s precisely
why we combined mid-day meals with
education in schoolsand emphasised
on providing healthy food for children.

Feeling of wellness: Children who get regular diet
and nutritious food are often active in their school and on playground.
Remember that children are still exploring the world with their little
experience. They have more energy that needs channelising physically. This can
happen only when a child has ample nutrition in his body. Such children have a
greater sense of well-being and wellness.

Health and nutrition have a lot of value in a child’s
growth. It goes without saying that for the overall mental and physical
development of any human being, nutrition plays a vital role. It becomes
crucial especially for children who are not aware what’s best for them. The
children need help and guidance along with a regular supply of nutritious food.
We have been providing mid-day meals in schools through our centralised
kitchens in 24 locations across 10 states.

You can help children get the right balance of
diet with just a click. Donate
to charity today!